Despite Allegations of Manipulated Story of 'Terminally Ill Dog Owner'... Abandoned Dog 'Mochi' Finds New Owner

Animal Protection Group LCKD Announces Adoption News
"Adopters, Become Family Regardless of Suspicions"

The abandoned dog 'Mochi,' found at the Tancheon parking lot along with a lengthy letter written by its owner who was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, has found a new owner. However, some have raised suspicions that this story might be fabricated.

The animal protection organization LCKD, which publicized Mochi's story, announced on the 16th via social media (SNS) that "Mochi received a lot of attention, and an adopter has appeared," adding, "We found a family that seems to be a good match for Mochi and sent Mochi for adoption after screening." The organization also expressed gratitude, saying, "Despite various suspicions, we thank the adopter who became a family by focusing only on the child (Mochi)."

Post announcing the adoption news of the stray dog Mochi [Image source=LCKD Instagram capture]

Earlier, on the 9th, LCKD’s Instagram account posted a photo of 'Mochi,' who was found on the 29th of last month at a public parking lot near Tancheon in Taepyeong-dong, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province, along with a letter and belongings. Mochi is a female mixed-breed dog born in 2017. In the photo, Mochi was tied to a guardrail inside the parking lot, with a cushion, dog food, and snacks placed beside her.

The letter found with Mochi was four pages long. The owner, identified as Ms. A, revealed that she was a woman diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, writing, "Five years ago, I lost my family in a traffic accident and was left alone all of a sudden. Life was so hard that there were times I wanted to give up, but I endured by looking at Mochi, who only looked at me." She described Mochi as "the only joy and happiness in a life that felt like hell after losing my family." She appealed, "I have been looking for someone who can take care of Mochi for several months, but there was no one. I ask that Mochi be embraced so she can live peacefully and happily."

Claims That "Mochi’s Real Name and Terminal Story Are Both False"

As this story gained significant attention, suspicions arose that the owner abandoned Mochi with a fabricated story. It was claimed that Mochi’s real name is 'Hochi' and that the owner is not a woman but a man. Additionally, a comment stating "the owner ended their own life" by someone claiming to be an acquaintance of the owner was posted but has since been deleted.

Regarding these suspicions, LCKD stated, "It is true that Mochi’s life received a great deal of public and media attention, which was surprising," adding, "We made the same efforts as with other abandoned dogs to find a good family, and fortunately, we found a family that seems to be a good match for Mochi and sent her for adoption after screening." They also said, "We have conveyed the various suspicions about Mochi as we heard them, and the adopter is aware of them."

The organization expressed concern that repeated incidents like this (fabricated stories) might create a negative image of adopting abandoned dogs. Finally, they said, "The adopter of Mochi wants to focus only on the child’s stability for the time being," and appealed, "Please refrain from excessive interest and suspicion toward Mochi’s adoptive family so that Mochi can comfortably adapt to her new home."